South Africa Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
South Africa's regulatory quality was -0.36 in 2025, ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 61.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
South Africa's regulatory quality stood at -0.36 in 2025, a decline of +0.14 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.36 by 2025. South Africa ranked 123rd globally.
South Africa's Regulatory Quality has shown significant fluctuations over the past 26 years, according to the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. Starting with a value of 0.52 in 1996, the country's regulatory environment peaked in 2003 with a score of 0.82. However, since then, it has declined, reaching its all-time low of -0.36 in 2025, ranking it #123 globally. This downturn is in line with other countries, such as Mongolia, which also scored -0.37 in 2025. In comparison, Brazil maintained a similar score of -0.36 in 2025. South Africa's declining regulatory quality is a concern, as it can hinder economic growth and investment. A shift in policy direction, such as implementing more business-friendly regulations and reducing bureaucratic red tape, could potentially alter the trajectory of South Africa's Regulatory Quality and improve its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.43 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.36 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.36 | −0.14 | #123 |
| 2023 | -0.22 | −0.04 | #111 |
| 2022 | -0.19 | −0.09 | #111 |
| 2021 | -0.09 | −0.11 | #101 |
| 2020 | 0.02 | +0.01 | #93 |
| 2019 | 0.01 | +0.05 | #89 |
| 2018 | -0.04 | −0.18 | #99 |
| 2017 | 0.14 | +0.02 | #78 |
| 2016 | 0.12 | −0.09 | #83 |
| 2015 | 0.21 | −0.02 | #77 |
| 2014 | 0.23 | −0.15 | #75 |
| 2013 | 0.38 | −0.02 | #69 |
| 2012 | 0.40 | −0.05 | #69 |
| 2011 | 0.45 | +0.00 | #66 |
| 2010 | 0.45 | −0.00 | #67 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's regulatory quality was -0.36 in 2025. Ranked 123rd globally. This represents a 61.9% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's regulatory quality peaked at 0.82 in 2003.
The lowest regulatory quality in South Africa was -0.36 in 2025.
South Africa ranks 123rd globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
South Africa's regulatory quality is projected to reach -0.36 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of South Africa in 2025 was -0.36. This ranks 123rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_regulatory-quality,
title = {South Africa Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}